Summer Vacations Touring the Arkansas Caves

Arkansas is not called the "Natural State" for nothing. They want to publicize their numerous natural wonders like hot springs, craggy cliffs, beautiful clear streams and rivers, and the many caves in the state. Arkansas ifs filled with beauty, but the caves are some of its most interesting attractions. Because of the heavy limestone and sedimentary deposits that make up much of the mountain region and the action of water and acids over the millennia, this state has some of the most interesting caves in the country and there are literally hundreds of them. Some are quite small but others have vast caverns with "cave flowers" made from calcite and other minerals that are quite beautiful. People who want to explore caves in the area should contact the Buffalo National River at Harrison, Arkansas (870) 741-5443 to ask about getting permits to explore. Be aware that caves are always cool, with temperatures in the high 50s, so spelunkers need to come warmly clothed, with good boots, and a willingness to get a bit dirty.

One of the most fascinating caves in northern Arkansas is the Cosmic Caverns outside of Berryville, AR. people can take hour-long guided tours through this cavern and view different sections of what is Arkansas' largest underground lake. This is in the northernmost part of the state, above Eureka Springs. This summer the cave is open for daily tours from 9-6.
Cosmic Caverns
6386 Hwy. 21 North
Berryville, AR 72616
870-749-2298

http://www.mysticcaverns.com/
Mystic Caverns just north of the Buffalo River, is special because of its organ-like pipes formed by water and acid millions of years ago. The companion cave, Crystal Dome, has a spectacular 8-story cavern that is enormous. It features huge whitish stalactites and pipe formations that have a somewhat serpentine appearance as they hang from the sides and roof of this cavern. Mystic Caverns has some massive formations of columns and lots of swirly helecites, small coral-like rock formations.
The prices actually include tours of both caves. It is $12.95--adults/ $5.95 ages 4-12 to tour both caves. I would not even bother doing just one cave because that's only a couple of dollars less. There are plenty of links on the site featuring other sights and area attractions.
1-888-743-1739

http://www.ozarkcave.com/acc.htm
How about spending the night in a cave motel? Well it's not what you may think. This place is located in the Buffalo National River area, with fishing, boating, mountain biking, and hiking available all over the place. But this is a real cave that took four years to extend and build the House into its existing walls and interior. The accommodations are just like those of fine motels or inns anywhere, and there's plenty of light, because the outer walls were fashioned with as much glass as possible. The Cave House has been featured on Home and Garden TV and NBC Nightly News, so luxurious and intriguing are its accommodations. There are five private bedrooms and a huge kitchen and great room that can serve groups and events. The prices are not cheap, by any means. They charge $675 for a couple to stay two nights here. Other rates are listed on the site. They are already booked for half of the summer of 2007, so this is a popular place. Be sure to make reservations ASAP.1-888-371-CAVE